Holiday Tips and Recipes for Dietary Sensitivities

Are you cooking for loved ones with dietary restrictions or special eating requirements this year? Are you dealing with food sensitivities, and worried about your holiday gatherings? It can be tricky to know what to make, and how to talk to your guests or hosts about food sensitivities. But with a little planning and communication, you can enjoy the gathering and many of the season’s delicious flavors.

Tips 

Before you roll up your sleeves and start cooking, we encourage you to check out these articles, which provide great advice on everything from communicating with guests to selecting the right ingredients:

Food Network: Be a Better Host: Cooking for Guests with Food Allergies

Whole Foods: Food Allergies and the Holidays

CNN: Navigating the Holidays with Food Allergies

Recipes

While we can’t provide recipes for all dietary sensitivities here, we know most traditional holiday meals can be tough on those who are avoiding gluten, dairy, or meat. So below are some ideas in case you’re cooking for someone with gluten or dairy sensitivities, or any vegetarians or vegans. 

Gluten-Free

Seasonal and Savory: Greek Stuffed Mushrooms

The Kitchn: How to Make Guten-Free Gravy

Eating Well: Herb Roasted Turkey

Serious Eats: How to Make the Best Gluten-Free Stuffing

Whole Foods: Brown Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms and Apricots

Cooking Light: Potato and Leek Gratin

Elana’s Pantry: Raspberry Thumbprint Cookies (also dairy-free)

Elana’s Pantry: Paleo Pumpkin Pie (also dairy-free)

Vegetarian and Vegan

Cooking Light: Roasted Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes

Food & Wine: Roasted Delicata Squash with Quinoa Salad

VegKitchen: Classic Veggie Shepherd’s Pie

Martha Stewart: Pumpkin Pasta

Simple Vegan Blog: Vegan Christmas Salad

SkinnyTaste: Brussels Sprouts Gratin

Kitchen Treaty: Vegetarian Onion Gravy

Dairy-Free

Detoxinista: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Food Network: Ellie Krieger’s Garlic Mashed Potatoes 

Whole Foods: How to Cook Dairy- and Gluten-Free Gravy

Elana’s Pantry: Cinnamon-Apple Tart with Pecan Crust (also gluten-free)

Diethood: Lightened up Green Bean Casserole

Go Dairy Free: Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Casserole (Also nut- and gluten-free)

Golden Barrel: Paleo Gingersnaps (also gluten-free)

We hope that these recipes help you and your favorite people enjoy all of the flavors of the holiday. And we encourage all readers to keep an open mind about trying new, health-conscious twists on classic holiday dishes. You never know; perhaps one of these recipes will even become a new favorite!

Cheers to a happy and healthy holiday season!

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to replace medical advice. We understand that food allergies can be very serious, and we believe it’s best not to make assumptions when cooking for those who may have dietary sensitivities. We encourage you to talk with your guests or hosts before preparing and serving holiday foods to find out more about their needs.